Bristol car hire

Driver's age: 26-65
Car Rental Deals
Booking Insights
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car hire in Bristol

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
M
Booking Insights

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Bristol car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Bristol with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Bristol?

You should book your car hire in Bristol around 77 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the best car hire company in Bristol?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Bristol are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (5.5, 3 reviews), National (8.8), and Dollar (6.0).
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Rated 5.5/10
National
National
Rated 8.8/10
Dollar
Dollar
Rated 6.0/10
Easirent
Easirent
Rated 4.6/10

What is the most popular car to hire in Bristol?

SUV cars (Chevrolet Trax or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to hire in Bristol. SUV cars in Bristol cost R967/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as R707/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Bristol?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Bristol is March at an average cost of R850/day. April is the most expensive month to hire a car in Bristol when prices are R1 197/day on average, which tends to be 1 895% above the yearly average hire price for Bristol.

Which car hire company in Bristol has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 2 locations in Bristol, more than any other car hire company.

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Bristol

  • One of the main advantages of renting cheap car rentals in Bristol is the convenience it provides. The city does not have a well-developed public transportation system, so renting a car is an excellent alternative mode of transportation. Bristol is a small town with significant tourist attractions, particularly NASCAR fans who flock to the Bristol Motor Speedway. If you want to enjoy the NASCAR races in Bristol, using Bristol car rentals ensures that you can get to the speedway effortlessly and quickly. Besides the Bristol Motor Speedway, you can also visit South Holston Lake, Steele Creek Park, and Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
  • Blountville Tri Cities TN/VA Airport (TRI) is approximately 17 miles from Bristol. The rental car offices at TRI are located on-site, adjacent to the baggage claim area and across from the airline ticket counters. Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is approximately 75 miles from Bristol. The rental car offices at AVL are located on the ground level of the airport terminal, between baggage claim and the main exit. There is no airport shuttle to the car rental offices, but some rental car companies provide courtesy shuttles to their facilities if off-site.
  • Bristol is a relatively small city with well-maintained streets and signage, making it easy for drivers to navigate. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when driving cheap car rentals in Bristol. One thing to be aware of is that there are several sharp turns and hills in the city, particularly on State Street, which is the main road through downtown. These elevated portions of the road may require extra caution when driving, especially during poor weather conditions. There are usually a fair number of pedestrians on the roads, so it’s important to be aware of people crossing the street, particularly in the downtown area.
  • Rush hour traffic in Bristol occurs during typical peak times in the morning between 7:00 am to 9:00 am and evening between 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with the most congested areas being State Street, Volunteer Parkway, and I-81. It is recommended to avoid these areas during these times if possible. In addition, winters in Bristol can be cold with occasional snow and ice storms, which can make driving more difficult. Consequently, it is important to drive cheap car rentals in Bristol slower and leave plenty of distance between vehicles in these conditions.
  • Standard hire cars in Bristol are around 38% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Bristol

  • How can I find car hires near me in Bristol?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Bristol?

    A Standard car hire in Bristol costs R1 461 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car hire cost in Bristol?

    A Compact car hire in Bristol costs R1 178 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Mini car hire cost in Bristol?

    A Mini car hire in Bristol costs R1 628 per day, on average.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Bristol?

    An intermediate car or SUV would be the most recommended type of vehicle for driving in Bristol. This is because the roads in Bristol can be quite hilly and winding, and an SUV or intermediate car will have enough power and stability to navigate these roads with ease. In particular, a car like the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V would be a great option for driving in Bristol. These vehicles offer a high level of maneuverability and can easily handle the steep hills and sharp turns that are common in the area.

  • What’s the speed limit in Bristol?

    Residential areas in Bristol have a speed limit of 25-35 mph, depending on the road and the presence of traffic signs. School zones usually have a speed limit of 15-20 mph during school hours, and construction zones may have lower speed limits posted. State routes and highways typically have higher speed limits, ranging from 45-60 mph, depending on the road. Interstate highways, such as I-81 and I-26, have a speed limit of 70 mph unless otherwise posted.

  • Where are the best places to park in Bristol?

    Downtown Bristol has a mix of free and paid parking options available. On-street parking is available throughout the city, and most spots require payment through meters or the use of a mobile app. The cost of parking typically ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the location. Downtown Bristol also has several parking lots and garages available where visitors can park Bristol car rentals. The State Street Parking Garage offers covered parking for a low hourly rate, with the first hour being free. 

Bristol car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.0

Value for money

5.0

2 locations in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

1138 W Main St

+1 276 619 4555

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2123 Volunteer Pkwy

+1 423 989 6169

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Cindy, Jul 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
This was the worst experience I have ever had with a car rental agency. When I went to pick up my SUV for a trip that was the next morning, they did not have my vehicle or anything usable. And the worst part was how rude they were. And I was calm! They said they had tried to "confirm" my vehicle twice that morning and had left messages at my house. There were zero messages on my voicemail. I will drive to the airport if I can to use a different agency.

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, Nov 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff

Cons:

Price

1 out of 1

National

8,8

Very Good

One location in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

2525 Highway 75

+1 423 323 5897

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday08:00 - 17:30

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

6,0

Okay

One location in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

2525 Highway 75

+1 423 325 6200

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday08:00 - 17:30

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4,6

Mediocre

One location in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

No score available yet

One location in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

2525 Highway 75

+1 423 325 6440

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday08:00 - 17:30

Filters

No reviews available

Budget

No score available yet

One location in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

2525 Highway 75

+1 423 323 6304

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday08:00 - 17:30

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2025

People carrier

KAYAK
Great in Blountville. In Portland we had a terrible experience and got an awful replacement vehicle when ours needed service. The vehicle wasn’t clean, safe, or in good working condition.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2025

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Short wait. Friendly staff. Beautiful vehicle (we were upgraded for free). Would absolutely rent through budget again.

4,0 Mediocre

ylljam, Aug 2024

Economy

KAYAK
The car was making an engine clangor that I have never experienced before with rentals cars the money should be returned or having a credit for the next rental car thank you

4,0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Sept 2022

KAYAK
The car is was awful.

1 out of 3

Eagle Rent A Car

No score available yet

One location in Bristol

Locations in Bristol

Bristol City Location

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Bristol

Locations in Bristol

2525 Highway 75

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

No score available yet

One location in Bristol

Locations in Bristol

2525 Highway 75

+1 423 325 6200

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday08:00 - 17:30

Filters

No reviews available

4 travellers who hired a car in Bristol gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4,7

Car hire locations in or near Bristol

Bristol car hire information

Pick-up locationBristol
Car types
Hire locations1
Airport locations0

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